Waimakariri council loses bid for chlorine exemption
From reporter Keiller MacDuff:
The last of Canterbury’s non-chlorinated public water supplies will soon be chlorinated after a decision by water regulator Taumata Arowai signalled the end of one council’s bid for exemption.
Along with Selwyn District and Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri was among the first councils in the country to apply for exemption from new drinking water laws.
Waimakariri District Council applied for six exemptions to allow Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Woodend-Pegasus, Oxford, Cust and Waikuku Beach to avoid, or remove, chlorine. It operates 16 water supply schemes supplying water to over 15,000 properties.
Cust’s water supply has been chlorinated since November 2020, but the Waimakariri District Council had hoped the exemption would allow it to remove the chlorination.
This week, the council said the final decision on Cust has set a precedent that requires all public water supplies to be treated with chlorine, and as a result, Rangiora, Waikuku Beach and Oxford water supplies would be chlorinated, starting on October 31 in Oxford, November 7 in Waikuku and November 14 in Rangiora.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.4% I want to be able to choose.
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47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
Poll: Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦
Canterbury, you have a hidden treasure right on your doorstep ... though it does come with a 1.5-hour walk up the stunning Rakaia Gorge Walkway.
Along the trail you’ll find The Fantail Shop showcasing small artworks by local artisans. Even better, every purchase supports the Fantail Trust, helping protect and restore biodiversity on the north bank of the gorge.
So we’re curious: would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? (And for local biodiversity, of course 🌿)
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31.8% Yes!
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68.2% No thank you.
Musicians Wanted
‘Rangiora Bells’ is seeking musicians to join the handbell choir. We are a friendly group of handbell ringers who enjoy making music and entertaining at community groups.
If you would like to come and have a go at ringing handbells, please come along to one of our practice sessions. No commitment necessary if you decide that this is not for you.
An ability to read basic music notation preferred.
Practice days – Thursdays 1pm – 2.30pm
(beginning 19th February 2026)
In the lounge at Trinity Methodist Church
176 King Street
Rangiora
Clare Dolheguy
Phone 027 583 7504
claredoll6@gmail.com
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